Relationships that Encourage
A Sermon on Matthew 7:1-12 by Pastor Allan Santos
Watch the sermon here.
Introduction
Last week we have learned about Jesus’ teachings on giving, prayer, worry, wealth, and money. He also emphasized the significance of focusing our eyes on the eternal rather than the riches, recognition, and pleasures of this world. Jesus also guaranteed that if we seek and prioritize God’s kingdom, all our needs will be provided by the Lord.
Jesus continued His teachings in Matthew chapter 7 and He tackled grace, godly discernment, God’s goodness, and the golden rule. This Passage will help us understand that Jesus desires us to have relationships that are meaningful, truthful, and God-glorifying. Let us reflect on and unpack Jesus’ teachings that will help us evaluate our standing before God and our heart toward others.
Outline
Giving grace to others as we experience God’s grace (vv.1-5)
Jesus’ teaching on balancing love with discernment (v.6)
Jesus calls for a fervent, zealous, and persistent prayer life. (vv.7-11)
Jesus’ command to bestow love to others (v. 12)
Life Application
Be mindful not to communicate unhealthy judgment and criticism to others especially if you don’t understand the situation of the person. May we all be slow to judge but generous in granting grace to others. Did you judge or criticize others wrongly in the past few weeks? Ask God for forgiveness and allow the Lord to change your critical attitude towards others.
God values consistent, persistent, and passionate prayers because they show that we are committed to knowing, understanding, and following His will for our lives. Be committed to having a healthy prayer life.
God’s generous love inspires us to treat others as we would want to be treated. This usually involves an act of kindness. How are you following Jesus’ golden rule in your relationships?
